The Tanzanian government has launched a widespread operation targeting foreigners it accuses of instigating recent election-related protests, marking a significant escalation in its response to political dissent.
Following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s assertion that the demonstrations against her re-election were not purely internal, police have begun raiding homes, hotels, and businesses in key urban areas. The intelligence-led operation aims to “flush out” foreigners alleged to have encouraged anti-government protests.
In her swearing-in speech, President Samia solidified the government’s position, insisting that external influences played a role in the unrest. This has paved the way for a concentrated crackdown on the foreign community, with reports indicating numerous searches are underway.
Simultaneously, the government has issued a stark warning to its citizens regarding the circulation of information related to the protests. In mass text messages sent on Monday, the public was ordered to avoid sharing images or videos “that may cause panic or demean a person’s dignity.”
The message explicitly stated that distributing such content, particularly footage of individuals allegedly injured or killed by police during the demonstrations, is considered a criminal offence. The government vowed that “strict legal action will be taken” against anyone found in violation.
This two-pronged approach—blaming external actors and tightening control over the narrative—signals a hardening of the administration’s stance. By focusing on foreigners and criminalizing the dissemination of potentially damaging evidence, the government aims to quell dissent and control the flow of information surrounding the post-election period. The operations have raised concerns about the scope of police powers and the impact on the foreign national community in Tanzania.
By Star